Rescue Efforts Underway for Exotic Tegu Lizard Found Buried in Snow After Winter Storm

Rescue Efforts Underway for Exotic Tegu Lizard Found Buried in Snow After Winter Storm

The lizard in distress is on the mend following a remarkable rescue.

A Providence, Rhode Island man made a surprising find while clearing snow from his property after a significant winter storm last week. He discovered a large exotic tegu lizard buried beneath nearly 20 inches of snow, according to the New England Wildlife Center.

This nonprofit organization confirmed that the cold-blooded reptile, affectionately named Frankie, was alive when discovered. To help maintain his body temperature, rescuers swiftly brought Frankie indoors.

In a statement on social media, the New England Wildlife Center expressed disbelief at the unusual situation, noting that even the most seasoned New Englander would not anticipate encountering a tegu lizard in such harsh winter conditions. The wildlife center described how Frankie was found struggling to emerge from the snow.

Immediate Response from Local Reptile Experts

After finding Frankie, the man wrapped the lizard in a T-shirt and sought help from reptile specialists. ET Reptiles, a local reptile store located in nearby Warwick, responded quickly to the call for assistance. The co-owners went to the site and retrieved the stranded animal.

Sharing the experience on social media, ET Reptiles called it an intense 24 hours and expressed gratitude for being able to provide care to the lizard.

Health Status of the Tegu Lizard

According to reports from NBC Boston, Frankie’s discovery coincided with a heavy snowstorm that blanketed parts of Rhode Island on Sunday. After his rescue, veterinarians evaluated Frankie and found him to be extremely weak, underweight, and struggling to move.

Further examination revealed that Frankie had suffered frostbite on his tongue and exhibited significant muscle weakness likely due to prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures. In a necessary medical procedure, a small section of nonviable tissue from Frankie’s tongue was amputated to aid in his recovery.

Veterinary staff administered supportive care, including steroids to combat inflammation and enhance recovery. Thankfully, Frankie is now resting comfortably and warming up, a crucial factor for his rehabilitation. The New England Wildlife Center has reported their optimism for his recovery, promising to share updates as the situation progresses.

The Tegu Lizard: An Exotic Species in Unfamiliar Territory

As indicated by the New England Wildlife Center and ET Reptiles, tegu lizards are native to South America and have gained popularity in the pet trade. In Rhode Island, owning a tegu lizard is legal; however, experts at ET Reptiles caution that these reptiles cannot survive in the harsh winters of New England.

Currently, the circumstances surrounding Frankie’s predicament remain uncertain. It is unclear whether he escaped from captivity or was released intentionally. Taylor Faria, co-owner of ET Reptiles, has been in contact with local animal control regarding this case. According to him, animal control officials stated that they have not received any reports about a missing tegu lizard.

Community Call for Information

In light of these events, both the New England Wildlife Center and ET Reptiles are urging the community to come forward with any information about Frankie. Anyone who may have lost a tegu lizard or possesses relevant details about the case is encouraged to reach out to these organizations.

With the winter season still in full swing, the plight of Frankie the tegu lizard serves as a poignant reminder about the responsibilities of pet ownership and the challenges faced by exotic animals in non-native environments.

A Hopeful Outlook for Frankie

As care for the rescued lizard continues, the New England Wildlife Center’s team remains optimistic about Frankie’s recovery. They are committed to monitoring his health and well-being in the coming days. The community looks forward to learning about Frankie’s journey back to health and the eventual outcome of this unusual winter rescue.

In the meantime, the case emphasizes the importance of understanding the needs of exotic pets and ensuring their safe and humane treatment in all circumstances.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.